Garment for carrying recording devices

ABSTRACT

A garment configured to receive a recording device in a protective pocket to facilitate recording of events as the garment is worn by the user. The protective pocket is attached to the inside surface of the garment and having an opening such that the camera of the recording device is positioned to unobstructively capture videos as the user approaches a scene.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to providing protective pockets for use with apparel, and, more particularly, to integrated pockets for use with apparel to hold recording devices. The present invention also relates to methods for providing first person video mementoes from motorcycle, automobile rides using the integrated pockets disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Participants in leisure and competitive events such as motorcycle riding and automobile racing, often attempt to capture video footage while engaging in such activities by holding a recording device in their hands while in the act of riding or use costly specialized equipment, such as GoPro® recording devices, etc. However, this method can be dangerous since it often forces the participant to hold the recording device in their hand while operating the vehicle or units such as the GoPro recording devices may require specialized mounting equipment to securely fasten the equipment to helmets or garments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a garment, having a protective pocket comprising a first fabric having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second fabric having a perimeter including first, second, third and fourth sides; and a border member extending along the first, second and third sides of the perimeter. The border member is secured to one of the surfaces of the first fabric. The first and second fabrics cooperate to form the protective pocket therebetween. The protective pocket has an opening adjacent the fourth side of the perimeter.

The protective pocket is configured to removeably receive a two-dimensional object and maintain the substantially two-dimensional object in a substantially vertical planar orientation, so that it is substantially parallel to the first and second surfaces of said first fabric. In one specific example, the substantially two-dimensional object is a mobile device.

In one embodiment, the first fabric is an item of apparel, or a portion of such an item, and the second fabric is a pocket having an opening such that the camera of the recording device faces out.

The present invention also relates to methods for providing a secure and protective means for recording devices during a riding event (e.g., a race) using the protective pockets disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a protective pocket according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as used with a shirt;

FIG. 2 is an environmental view of a protective pocket according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as used with a shirt;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the protective pocket of FIG. 1, and includes partial cutaways showing the protective pocket;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the protective pocket of FIG. 1, where the recording device is inserted from a top direction;

FIG. 5 a front elevational view of one of the protective pockets of FIG. 3, and includes partial cutaways showing the protective pocket;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the protective pocket of FIG. 3, where the recording device is inserted from a side direction;

While the above-identified drawings set forth presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the detailed description. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the like shown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a garment 10 having a protective pocket 1 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The protective pocket 1 is attached on the inside of the garment 10, which has opposed first (i.e., outer) and second (i.e., inner) surfaces, and inserted into the protective pocket 1 is a recording device 3. The protective pocket 1 is attached such that the recording device 3 is inserted from a top position of the protective pocket 1. The garment 10 has an first opening 2 through the first and second surfaces of the garment 10 that is positioned such that a lens of the recording device 3 can unobstructively record images from the garment 10 that is worn by a user. Also, protective pocket 1 has a second opening 6 that is through the first and second surfaces of the garment 10 which is positioned in close proximity to a microphone on the recording device 3 such that sounds can be recorded by the recording device 3 without being distorted. The second opening 6 may be covered by a mesh material so that wind on other sounds will not interfere with the recording by the microphone.

FIG. 2 illustrates a garment 20 having a protective pocket 21 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the protective pocket 21 is attached on the inside of the garment 20, which also has opposed first (i.e., outer) and second (i.e., inner) surfaces, where the recording device 3 is inserted into the protective pocket 21 from a side position. The garment 20 also has an first opening 22 through the first and second surfaces of the garment 20 that is positioned such that a lens of the recording device 3 can unobstructively record images from the garment 20 worn by a user. The first opening 22 may be reinforced by a rigid member (not shown) to help the first opening 22 keep its shape and form through wear and tear of the garment 20. The protective pocket 21 also has the second opening 6 as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

The protective pockets 1 and 21 are each configured to removeably receive a substantially two-dimensional object therein, such as a recording device 3 and 23, and secure the substantially two-dimensional object in place on the bodies of the user. The protective pockets 1 and 21 are each further configured to maintain the substantially two-dimensional object in a substantially horizontal planar orientation, in which the substantially two-dimensional object is (a) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent surface of the garments 10 and 20, or other apparel item, and (b) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent body part of the rider, as further explained below. It is understood that all of the structural and functional features described below in connection with the protective pocket 1 are also descriptive of the protective pocket 21, unless indicated otherwise. It should also be understood that the protective pockets 1 and 21 may also be oriented in a substantially vertical position, wherein the protective pockets 1 and 21 can be configured in a landscape orientation rather than a portrait orientation as illustrated in these drawings, without departing from the scope of this invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the protective pocket 1 includes a substantially rectangular border member 4, into which the recording device 3 is inserted (see FIG. 1). The border member 4 has a perimeter including first, second, third and fourth sides 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 d, respectively. The border member 4 is attached (e.g., using stitches, adhesive, or other known attachment means) to the garment 10 along the first, second and third sides 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c of the border member 4, in order to form the protective pocket 1. The garment 10 constitutes a first fabric, and the border member 4 constitutes a second fabric. Once secured to the garment 10 via the border member 4, the border member 4 cooperates with the garment 10 to form the protective pocket 1 therebetween.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the protective pocket 1 includes an opening along the “top” of the border member 4, adjacent to and defined on one side by the fourth side 24 d of the border member 4, and adjacent to and defined on the opposite side by the garment 10. The opening of the protective pocket 1 is dimensioned so as to receive the recording device 3 therethrough. The protective pocket 1 and its opening 24 d may be formed with dimensions that are slightly larger the recording device 3, so as to easily receive the recording device 3 therein.

As indicated above, the protective pocket 1 is configured to maintain the recording device 3 (or other substantially two-dimensional object) in a substantially vertical planar orientation while it is contained in the protective pocket 1. The recording device 3 is thereby maintained in an “upright” position such that it is (a) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent surface of the garment 10, or other apparel item, and (b) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent body part of the rider W (e.g., a torso). This positioning also improves the positioning of the camera of the recording device 3. In order to facilitate this positioning of the recording device 3 within the protective pocket 1, the border member 4 is tightly secured to the garment 10 (i.e., along the first, second and third sides 24 a, 24 b and 24 c of the perimeter) so as to allow limited movement between open and closed positions. In other words, the protective pocket 1 can only be opened wide enough to receive a substantially two-dimensional object, e.g., the recording device 3, as illustrated.

In an another embodiment, the protective pocket 1 may also include a closure means by which to maintain opening 24 d in a closed position, in order to better secure the recording device 3 in the protective pocket 1. Such closure means may be hook and loop fasteners. Alternative closure means known in the art may also be used, including, but not limited to, a zipper, buttons and snaps. A separate piece of fabric may be provided as a covering (not shown) to protect the closure means. For example, a protective flap may be secured to the protective pocket 1 over the closure means. If the protective flap has a double panel construction with open ends, it may also function as an auxiliary compartment for receiving small objects (e.g., pens, lip balm, etc.).

Another embodiment of the protective pocket 21 is illustrated with a garment 20 (e.g., a shirt, etc.) in FIGS. 2, 5 & 6. The protective pocket 21 includes a substantially rectangular border member 14, into which the recording device 3 is inserted from a side direction (see FIG. 2). The border member 14 has a perimeter including first, second, third and fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d, respectively. The border member 14 is attached (e.g., using stitches, adhesive, or other known attachment means) to the garment 20 along the first, second and fourth sides 14 a, 14 b, and 14 d of the perimeter, in order to form the protective pocket 21. The garment 20 constitutes a first fabric, and the border member 14 constitutes a second fabric. Once secured to the garment 20 via the border member 4, the border member 14 cooperates with the garment 20 to form the protective pocket 21 therebetween.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the protective pocket 21 includes an opening along the “side” of the border member 14, adjacent to and defined on one side by the fourth side 14 c of the border member 14, and adjacent to and defined on the opposite side by the garment 20. The opening of the protective pocket 21 is dimensioned so as to receive the recording device 3 therethrough. The protective pocket 21 and its opening 14 c may be formed with dimensions that are slightly larger the recording device 3, so as to easily receive the recording device 3 therein.

As indicated above, the protective pocket 21 is configured to maintain the recording device 3 (or other substantially two-dimensional object) in a substantially vertical planar orientation while it is contained in the protective pocket 21. The recording device 3 is thereby maintained in an “upright” position such that it is (a) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent surface of the garment 20, or other apparel item, and (b) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent body part of the rider (e.g., a torso). This positioning also improves the positioning of the camera of the recording device 3. In order to facilitate this positioning of the recording device 3 within the protective pocket 21, the border member 14 is tightly secured to the garment 20 (i.e., along the first, second and third sides 14 a, 14 b and 14 d of the perimeter) so as to allow limited movement between open and closed positions. In other words, the protective pocket 21 can only be opened wide enough to receive a substantially two-dimensional object, e.g., the recording device 3, as illustrated.

The protective pocket 21 may also include a closure means by which to maintain opening 14 c in a closed position, in order to better secure the recording device 3 in the protective pocket 21, as described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.

It should be noted that the present invention can have numerous modifications and variations. For example, the opening of the protective pocket may be formed on the “bottom” rather than the top or sides (as disclosed above), it being understood that the designations first, second, third and fourth sides are arbitrary, and may each be used to describe any side of the mesh member. It should also be understood that while the illustrations shown herein depict the garment as a shirt, any items of upper clothing can be used, such as a sweatshirt, tank top, jacket or a sports bra.

Further, while a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many additional modifications and/or alternative embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A garment comprising: a protective pocket attached to the garment's interior surface, wherein the protective pocket is configured to receive a recording device; a first opening through the garment positioned to allow a camera on the recording device to record images, while the recording device is in the protective pocket, wherein the first opening is reinforced by a rigid member to facilitate the shape of the first opening.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a t-shirt.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a sweatshirt.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a jacket.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a sports bra.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the protective pocket is formed between a border member attached to the garment's interior surface.
 7. The garment of claim 1, comprising a second opening formed in the garment in close proximity to a microphone of the recording device, wherein the second opening is covered by a mesh piece so that the microphone of the recording device is not subject to interference from wind. 